Kampong Kapok

{{Short description|Village in Brunei}} {{Distinguish|Kampong Katok}} {{EngvarB|date=July 2021}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2021}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Kampong Kapok | settlement_type = [[Villages of Brunei|Village]] | image_map = | map_alt = | map_caption = | pushpin_map = Brunei | pushpin_map_alt = | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Brunei | pushpin_label_position = none | coordinates = {{coord|qid=Q20462704|region:BN_type:city(2,791)|display=inline,title|format=dms}} | coor_pinpoint = | coordinates_footnotes =  | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = [[Brunei]] | subdivision_type1 = [[Districts of Brunei|District]] | subdivision_name1 = [[Brunei-Muara District|Brunei-Muara]] | subdivision_type2 = [[Mukims of Brunei|Mukim]] | subdivision_name2 = [[Mukim Serasa|Serasa]] | established_title = Established | established_date =  | unit_pref = Metric | area_footnotes = <ref name="article" /> | area_note = | area_rank = | area_total_km2 = | area_total_ha = 1241.01 | population_footnotes = <ref name="census 2016" /> | population_as_of = 2016 | population_total = 2,791 | population_density_km2 = auto | timezone = [[Brunei Darussalam Time|BNT]] | utc_offset1 = +8 | postal_code_type = Postcode | postal_code = BT2328 | website =  | footnotes = | native_name = Kampung Kapok | image_skyline = Kampong Kapok 01.jpg | image_caption = Kampong Kapok petrol station in 2022 | leader_title = [[Village head]] | leader_name = Shahminan Abdul Rahman<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.moha.gov.bn/Downloads/2023/DirektoriPMKK_V04%20APRIL2024.pdf |title=BUKU DIREKTORI TELEFON PENGHULU-PENGHULU MUKIM DAN KETUA-KETUA KAMPUNG NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |date=April 2024 |publisher=Bahagian Perancangan Daerah, [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Brunei)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] |volume=4 |location=Brunei |pages=17 |language=ms}}</ref> }} '''Kampong Kapok''' is a [[villages of Brunei|village]] in the north-east of [[Brunei-Muara District]], [[Brunei]] and has an area of {{Convert|1241.01|hectare|acre}};<ref name="article">{{Cite web|url=http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Rencana/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=388&ContentTypeId=0x0100AB69AA555002494AB2FB40905279B027|title=Rencana - Kerepek pisang trademark Kampung Kapok|website=www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn|language=ms|access-date=16 December 2018|archive-date=16 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216205937/http://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Rencana/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=388&ContentTypeId=0x0100AB69AA555002494AB2FB40905279B027|url-status=live}}</ref> the population was 2,791 in 2016.<ref name="census 2016">{{cite web |url=http://www.deps.gov.bn/DEPD%20Documents%20Library/DOS/KBPP/finalreport2016/KBPP_2016.pdf |title=Population and Housing Census Update Final Report 2016 |author= |date=December 2018 |website=www.deps.gov.bn |publisher=Department of Statistics |access-date=5 July 2021 |page= |archive-date=23 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023193315/http://www.deps.gov.bn/DEPD%20Documents%20Library/DOS/KBPP/finalreport2016/KBPP_2016.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Etymology == The village is named after the kapok tree, ''[[Bombax ceiba]]'', that cane be seen in its immediate surroundings.<ref name=":6">{{Cite book |last=Mohd Yunos |first=Rozan |url=https://www.jupem.gov.my/v1/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hj-Mohd-Rozan-An-introduction-to-the-history-of-geographical-place-names-in-Brunei.pdf |title=SEMINAR UNITED NATIONS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES ASIA, SOUTHEAST DIVISION |year=2013 |pages=12–13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416021526/https://www.jupem.gov.my/v1/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Hj-Mohd-Rozan-An-introduction-to-the-history-of-geographical-place-names-in-Brunei.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2023}}</ref> In addition to [[moss]], the locals at the time also profited from the usage of Kapok fruits as [[Cushion|cushions]]. People who are either from the location in question or who desire to visit it also refer to themselves as "from Kapok" or "want to go to Kapok" using the phrase. The usage of the name Kapok persisted after then, and the community came to be known as Kampung Kapok.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Malay%20Publication%20PDF/KNK%202015.pdf |title=KOMPILASI RENCANA KNK 2015 |publisher=Kenali Negera Kitani |year=2015 |pages=35–41 |language=ms |access-date=10 July 2023 |archive-date=13 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713184551/https://www.information.gov.bn/Malay%20Publication%20PDF/KNK%202015.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> A joint effort from MPK Kapok to preserve the history of taking the name of this village has been implemented. Some kapok saplings are planted in some strategic places. Kapok tree saplings along the road of Kampong Kapok and in some houses were planted.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/Malay%20Publication%20PDF/KNK%202018.pdf |title=KOMPILASI RENCANA KNK 2018 |publisher=Kenali Negera Kitani |year=2018 |pages=23–27 |language=ms |access-date=28 July 2023 |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310133319/https://www.information.gov.bn/Malay%20Publication%20PDF/KNK%202018.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Geography == Kampong Kapok is one of the villages in [[Mukim Serasa]], a [[mukims of Brunei|mukim]] in the district. As a village subdivision, it borders [[Kampong Sabun]] to the north-east, [[Kampong Serasa]] to the east and south, [[Kampong Salar]] to the south-west and [[Kampong Meragang]] to the west and north.<ref name=":1">{{Citation|title=Brunei Darussalam street directory : quick & easy reference maps.|date=2014|pages=26–27 & 33–34|publisher=Brunei Press Sdn. Bhd.|isbn=9789991732411|oclc=932264901}}</ref> It is one of the villages along [[Jalan Muara]], a road which links [[Bandar Seri Begawan]] to [[Muara, Brunei|Muara]] town. The village is situated between Bukit Tempayan Pisang and the [[South China Sea]], about {{Convert|4|km}} from [[Muara, Brunei|Pekan Muara]] and 23 kilometers from [[Bandar Seri Begawan]].<ref name=":0" />

== Economy == The [[banana chip]] products from the [[Hamlet (place)|hamlet]] are well-known; they come in six flavors: original, [[durian]], [[Milo (drink)|milo]], [[maize]], [[Pandanus amaryllifolius|pandan]], and [[coffee]]. Awang Haji Marali claims that despite the unfavorable reaction, coffee-flavored banana chips are rarely made available, but the villagers would be happy to produce them if there was a demand from the general public. Future iterations of this product will have some new, intriguing patterns and tastes. Nowadays, items are made using more complex and contemporary methods. As a result, the product yield has increased due to the manufacture of items using machines.<ref name=":0" />

== Infrastructure ==

=== Education === * Kapok Primary School — a government primary school * SECA School ({{Lang|ms|Sekolah Cemerlang Abejess}}) — a private primary school

=== Religion === Kampong Kapok Mosque is the village mosque; it was completed in 1996 and can accommodate 700 worshippers.<ref name="mosque">{{Cite web |url=http://www.kheu.gov.bn/SenaraiMasjid/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=33&Source=/SenaraiMasjid/Forms/ViewAll.aspx |title=SenaraiMasjid - Masjid Kampong Kapok |website=www.kheu.gov.bn |language=ms |access-date=16 February 2018 |archive-date=16 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204749/http://www.kheu.gov.bn/SenaraiMasjid/Forms/DispForm.aspx?ID=33&Source=/SenaraiMasjid/Forms/ViewAll.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Bukit Tempayan Pisang === Bukit Tempayan Pisang Recreational Park is a recreation area at {{lang|ms|Bukit Tempayan Pisang}}, a forested hill located between the village and [[Kampong Serasa]].<ref name=":1" /> It was inaugurated in 2013 by the then [[Minister of Home Affairs (Brunei)|Minister of Home Affairs]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/01/28/bukit-tempayan-pisang-legends-as-an-attraction/ |title=Bukit Tempayan Pisang Legends as an attraction |date=27 January 2013 |work=Borneo Post Online |access-date=16 February 2018 |archive-date=16 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216210636/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/01/28/bukit-tempayan-pisang-legends-as-an-attraction/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The park has walkways built along the trails in the forest and provides hiking opportunity.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://sutera.co/bukit-tempayan-pisang-park/ |url-status= |title=A Park of Legends and Myths {{!}} Bukit Tempayan Pisang Recreational Park - Sutera |author=Amir Hazwan |date=13 November 2017 |work=Sutera |access-date=16 February 2018}}{{deadlink|date=September 2023}}</ref> According to local lore, Bukit Tempayan Pisang Kapok was originally thought to be the residence of the [[Myth|mythical]] beings known as Bunian princesses, who played with 'kemala' stones that had '[[Celestial mechanics|celestial]]' abilities on the 14th and 15th days of the month and during [[Full moon|full moons]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2013-01-28 |title=Bukit Tempayan Pisang Legends as an attraction |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2013/01/28/bukit-tempayan-pisang-legends-as-an-attraction/ |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Borneo Post Online |language=en-US |archive-date=12 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712040457/https://www.theborneopost.com/2013/01/28/bukit-tempayan-pisang-legends-as-an-attraction/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Bunian princesses and the keeper of [[Mount Kinabalu]] got into a fight because of the stones' [[paranormal]] abilities. The protector of Mount Kinabalu employed a mortar in the conflict to seize the [[Mysticism|mystical]] stones, but the Bunian princesses only had access to [[Banana pith|banana stems]], which they contained in huge [[clay]] [[Jar|jars]] (''tempayan''). Only two of the stones were retained by the princesses; the guardian of Mount Kinabalu took possession of the other five. The princesses nevertheless played with the two leftover stones under the full moon. According to legend, until the 1940s, locals could see lights streaming from the Bukit Tempayan Pisang every full moon.<ref name=":2" />

The tales also relate to the two [[Cave|caverns]], Radat Cave and Harimau Cave, which are situated somewhere near the [[summit]] of the hill. Awang Radat, a Kampong Serasa inhabitant renowned for his valor and eerie abilities, inspired the name Radat Cave. It was rumored that he frequently visited the cave, especially during full moons, to meet a Bunian princess, whom he subsequently wed.<ref name=":2" />

As its name implies, two [[Tiger|tigers]] were originally said to have lived in the Harimau (Tiger) cave. The story goes that Awang Mawar and Dayang Mawar, a newlywed couple, were crossing Bukit Tempayan Pisang on foot from Kampong Serasa to Tanjung Kemuning in Kampong Kapok. The woman had to halt during the trip, but she urged that the husband go on and that she would follow. The guy eventually turned around after realizing that his wife had fallen behind and was unable to keep up, only to discover his wife's bloody garments, ripped clothing, and tiger paw prints on the ground. The paw prints guided him to the cave, where he witnessed two tigers consuming his wife, who was already dead. Even though he was successful in killing the tigers, his grief and remorse over the passing of his wife finally drove him to [[Suicide|commit suicide]].<ref name=":2" />

== Achievement == In 2014, the village won the Silver Medal of the Excellent Village Award ({{lang|ms|Anugerah Kampung Cemerlang}}), a national award recognising initiatives by villages in improving social and socio-economic conditions of their communities.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |url=http://www.jpm.gov.bn/Lists/News/ItemDisplayForm.aspx?ID=105&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jpm.gov.bn%2Flists%2Fnews%2Fallitems.aspx%3FPaged%3DTRUE&PagedPrev=TRUE&p_ID=79&PageFirstRow=7621&&View=%257BC3F3E468-F351-45F5-8A4F-DC2D40063A7C%257D&ContentTypeId=0x01004EE1520DB09AC547981D92B83F9B1E48 |title=News - 27.02.14 MPK Kapok raih Anugerah AKC Ke-3... |website=www.jpm.gov.bn |language=ms |access-date=16 February 2018 |archive-date=16 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216205336/http://www.jpm.gov.bn/Lists/News/ItemDisplayForm.aspx?ID=105&Source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jpm.gov.bn%2Flists%2Fnews%2Fallitems.aspx%3FPaged%3DTRUE&PagedPrev=TRUE&p_ID=79&PageFirstRow=7621&&View=%257BC3F3E468-F351-45F5-8A4F-DC2D40063A7C%257D&ContentTypeId=0x01004EE1520DB09AC547981D92B83F9B1E48 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the first village in the country to achieve the aforementioned medal recognition.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://btarchive.org/news/national/2015/10/09/tutong-mpks-briefed-excellent-village-award-semis |title=Tutong MPKs briefed on Excellent Village Award semis |author=Ak Md Khairuddin Pg Harun |date=9 October 2015 |website=btarchive.org |access-date=16 February 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== References == {{reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Villages in Brunei–Muara District|Kapok]]